b1gMail Review, Pricing & Features

b1gMail is a free, open-source, self-hosted PHP webmail and groupware system for running your own branded email service with calendar and contacts.

Category
Communication
Pricing
Free (open source), from Free
Verified
Not yet
Last updated
July 18, 2026
Web AppOpen SourceSelf-Hosted

Overview

b1gMail is a self-hosted PHP application for operating a private email service, created by Patrick Schlangen. It began as freeware, later shifted to a commercial license from version 6 onward, and returned to a fully open-source GPL license as of version 7.4.1, removing all proprietary components.

Because it runs on standard PHP hosting rather than requiring dedicated infrastructure, b1gMail is accessible to individuals, businesses, and hosting providers who want to run their own branded email and groupware service instead of outsourcing it to a third-party provider.

Key Features

The platform combines webmail with an HTML5 drag-and-drop interface, an address book, calendar, task and note management, and cloud storage. Optional modules add SMS and fax capabilities.

Spam and virus protection is built in through DNSBL filtering, a Bayesian spam filter, and ClamAV antivirus integration, and administrators can extend functionality further through a plugin system and customizable mail filters.

Pricing

b1gMail is free and open source under the GPL license as of version 7.4.1. There is no official paid tier or managed hosting; users deploy it on their own PHP-capable web hosting.

Key Features

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Free and open source under the GPL license
  • Full groupware feature set beyond just email (calendar, tasks, contacts)
  • Extensible through a plugin system
  • Self-hosted, giving full control over data and branding

Cons

  • Requires your own PHP hosting and server administration
  • Primary community and documentation are German-language
  • No official managed or cloud-hosted version

Frequently Asked Questions

Is b1gMail free?

Yes, as of version 7.4.1, b1gMail is fully open source under the GPL license with no cost.

Do I need my own server to run b1gMail?

Yes, b1gMail is self-hosted and runs on standard PHP web hosting.

Does b1gMail include a calendar and contacts?

Yes, it includes an address book, calendar, task management, and notes alongside webmail.

Is b1gMail available in English?

The core community and site are primarily German-language, though English resources exist.

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